The Saline Twirlettes is a community group committed to supporting Saline area youth in learning the art and sport of baton twirling. The Twirlettes have a long and proud history. The group was established in 1968 by a local parent, to provide a positive activity for girls. The group was coached by Saline High School majorettes and had 150 initial members.Since that, time the group has expanded by hiring professional coaches and providing recreational and competitive programs, including a “Kids to Nationals” team(KTN’s) team that continues to gain national recognition. The Saline Twirlettes KTN, teams have won SEVEN national team titles. 2002Tiny Tot Beginner Dance Twirl Champions (George) Juvenile Large Beginner Dance Twirl Champions (Disco) Junior Large Beginner Dance Twirl Champions (Grease) 2003Juvenile Large Beginner Dance Twirl Champions(Disco) 2004Senior Small Beginner Dance Twirl Champions(Freedom) 2005Junior Large Beginner Dance Twirl Champions(Mountain) 2007Juvenile Small Beginner Dance Twirl Champions (OZ) 2008 Saline High School Majorettes; High School Halftime National Championship Beth Wilson Artistic Award for Senior Hafltime 2009 Grand National Senior Halftime National Champions( Welcome to the Jungle) Beth Wilson Artistic Award Sr. Small Beginner Dance Twirl National Champions( STronger)
The Saline Twirlettes are a group under the leadership of Coach Susan Usher. An Advisory committee of parents provides a supportive basis and includes:
Mission: The mission of the Saline Twirlettes is to provide a positive atmosphere for youth in learning the sport and art of baton twirling. Program Components: Members of the Saline Twirlettes may pursue two program components. The Recreational Program focuses on baton twirling as an activity, providing opportunities to participate in local parades ad recitals.All Saline Twirlettes participate at this level. The competitive program is optional and for those wanting to take their talents to the next level. Higher expectations and guidelines are in place for these twirlers and a high level of commitment is needed. The “Kids to National” (KTN) team is for twirlers wanting to make a substantial commitment to the sport of baton twirling.KTN involved advancing skills as an individual twirler and team member, travel and more intensity and competition on regional and national level. Scholarship: In 2001, the Saline Twirlettes lost their long time parent director, Lori Potter, mother of twirlers Conner and Jessica Potter.In an effort to preserve her memory and reward her efforts, The Saline Twirlettes Scholarship was established. Each spring, the Twirlettes host an annual twirling clinic Lori’s name with the proceeds helping to fund the scholarship award. Graduating seniors will be awarded a scholarship issued to them and the college or technical school of their choice to pursue their education. (See Director for detailed information) Saline Twirlettes Scholarship recipients have been as follows: 2003:Liesl Green, Penn State University; Penn State Majorette 2005:Jessica Potter, Bowling Green State University; BGSU Twirler 2005:Nicole Stegenga, Hope College 2008: Kelsey Lamki, Grand Valley Univ. , GVSU Twirler Mary Ciotta, Purdue Univ, Purdue Boilerette Nathan Magyar, University of Michigan, UM Twirler 2009 Stacey Girbach, Michigan State University Insurance and Liability Parent Guidelines, Information and Responsibilities ·First term fees are non-refundable after Sept. 29th , 2009 ·Second term fees are non-refundable after October 13, 2009 ·Late payments will be assessed a $10.00 late charge each week unless arrangements have been made with the Financial Coordinator or Director. ·A $25.00 membership fee is assessed for all members to assist with materials and supplies. ·A $25 rental feee is required to receive a Saline Twirlettes blue and gold costume and Twirlettes jacket.See costume care instructions. This is a non-refundable fee for the year. ·There is a $25.00 fee for all returned checks. ·There is a 10% discount on class fees for families with more than one child participating in the Saline Twirlettes.Discount applies to the second child’s primary twirling class only. Specialty classes (e.g.. modeling, strut, teams) are not included. ·All accounts must be paid before you can register for the next term.A monthly payment MUST be made on all accounts. ·Batons may be purchased through the Twirlettes at a discounted rate of $25.00. ·Parents will pay individual competition fees to all contests they attend. ·Parents are encouraged to observe class from a designated observation area. It is important that all conversations among parents/observers are quiet as possible to allow for the twirlers’ optimal participation in class.If a parent opts to drop ·off a child, the parent must verify that the coach has arrived prior to leaving the child. ·All KTN classes are closed and parents may view the last class of the month. (strut, TN,Tues. Wed. Thurs..) ·Siblings are welcome, but must be kept quiet, next to the parent and out of the practice area. Siblings may not play or run around in the facility’s hallways. ·The coaching staff will appropriately console, congratulate or give feedback to students during class. It can be disruptive and unproductive for parents to do so during class. Please NO SIDELINE COACHING. ·Please do not interrupt the class or coach unless there is an emergency.If you need to speak to your child, please see the coach first. Suggestions, questions, issues, or concerns should be directed to Director Susan Usher or the Advisory Committee Member, outside of the class schedule. (phone or email) ·Parents must check their child out with the coach after every performance.For the safety of your child, students are not permitted to leave without a parent or designated person. There will be no exceptions. If someone other than the parent will be picking up your child, please notify the coach ahead of time. ·Participation in fundraisers is a necessity. All parents must participate in Saline Twirlettes sponsored fundraisers; contests, gift-wrap, clinic, poinsettia sales, and others as they may arise.Parents may make a defined financial contribution in select fundraisers if unable to participate in a particular event. ·Each parent is encouraged to volunteer time and/or materials when assistance is needed. The time and talents of parents are very important to the success of the Saline Twirlettes; you will be called upon! ·The Director and Advisory Committee determine yearly fees annually. ·A weekly newsletter is provided during the regular class season including all current information. Please READ the newsletter! If you must miss a practice, please contact a class member or log onto www.salinetwirlettes.org. (Members only: User name:Twirler Password:Spartans)If a performance must be missed, please notify the coach as soon as possible so routine adjustments can be made. Please be considerate of other twirlers by following these rules. Twirler Rules and Responsibilities ·All twirlers who are early for class or must remain after their class is finished must quietly sit on the side of the practice area, while the next class is in progress. Students are not permitted to wait outside regardless of age. Twirlers are permitted to practice quietly on the sides of the practice area if space permits. ·Twirlers are to remain in the practice area other than to use the restroom. ·A twirler should not move out of their “place” during class and should be aware of their surroundings.Baton twirling has inherent hazards and unexpected moves can be dangerous! ·Batons must be brought to class with names on them. Tennis or twirling shoes are necessary for safety. No socks, bare feet, or boots! Shorts, t-shirts, leotards are the best attire for twirling. NO blue jeans.Long hair should be pulled back away from face. ·Respect for the Instructor and Director must be observed at all times. ·Twirlers should go to the bathroom, as needed, prior to class. ·Good sportsmanship will be observed at all times during class sessions, special activities and/or competitive events. Students are not to correct one another. Students must be respectful and polite to class members. ·Any injury, whether twirling related or not, should be reported to the instructor before class. ·No gum chewing!!!!!!!!!! ·Twirlers are expected to practice as much as possible! Practice makes the difference! ·Parades/Recitals, and Performances are mandatory. All Twirlettes are expected to attend all these events. (Fair, Homecoming, Holiday parade, Holiday Recital, Memorial day parade and spring recital. ·And most of all,,,,HAVE FUN! Private Students All students requesting individualized lessons will become a private student of the Saline Twirlettes coaches. A form will be filled out each fall to commit to dates, times, etc.The Director will assign each twirler to a coach based on need, age, ability, and commitment.Upon becoming a private student, students may not take lessons; attend clinics or contests without the Directors approval/notification. The best program will be offered to all private students with notification on clinics, contests, specialty lessons, guest coaches, etc. Conferences will be set each fall, as needed, to discuss the twirler’s progress/ plan for year.If issues or concerns arise, parent(s) should set a conference with the Director.A follow up action plan will be mutually developed with a 3-month period to re-evaluate. Failure to Abide by the Rules While we hope this never becomes an issue: If a twirler fails to abide by the Rules, the following plan of action will be followed: 1st time: Problem will be addressed with twirler. 2nd time: Problem will be addressed again with twirler/parent 3rd time:Meeting with parent, twirler, coach, Director 4th time: Twirler’s dismissal from the team If a parent fails to comply with the rules, the following plan of action will be followed: 1st time:Director will address problem 2nd time:Director and Advisory Committee will address Problem 3rd time:Twirler’s dismissal from the team -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please Sign Agreement Statement below Agreement I have read and understand the above information. I agree to uphold the terms, standards, expectations as stated, and agree to participate accordingly in the Saline Twirlettes. I understand and assume the potential risks of baton twirling as described. I assume personal and financial responsibility in the event of an injury resulting from participation in the program and related activities. Should an emergency arise, I understand that my child will be taken to the nearest emergency room for evaluation and treatment. In the non-emergent circumstances, I will be notified at the earliest appropriate time.
Printed Name:TwirlerTwirler’s Signature & Date
Printed Name: ParentParent(s)’s Signature(s) & Date You may print off your copy of the handbook or view online:www.salinetwirlettes.org( Registration button)
